Your Guide to Canberra's Federal Electorates

The Australian Capital Territory is represented in the federal parliament by three House of Representatives members across three electorates, plus two senators who represent the Territory in the Senate. As the seat of the national government, Canberra residents have a uniquely close relationship with federal politics — many residents work directly in the APS or for organisations that interact with the federal system daily.

Division of Canberra — the Division of Canberra covers the inner city suburbs, the parliamentary triangle, and the southern lake suburbs including Yarralumla, Deakin, and Hughes. The electorate has historically been a safe Labor seat reflecting the ACT's consistent Labor and progressive voting record in federal elections.

Division of Bean — Bean covers the southern and western suburbs of the ACT, including Tuggeranong, Weston Creek, Molonglo Valley, and portions of Belconnen. The seat was created in the 2019 redistribution and named after Charles Bean, Australia's official World War I historian and war correspondent.

Division of Fenner — Fenner covers the northern suburbs including most of Belconnen, Gungahlin, Hall, and the ACT rural areas. The electorate is named after Frank Fenner, the Australian virologist who was instrumental in the global eradication of smallpox.

ACT Senate — the ACT elects two senators, unlike states which elect twelve. The Territory senators have the same voting rights as state senators on most legislation but the smaller representation reflects the Territory's constitutional status.

Federal funding in Canberra — as the national capital, Canberra receives significant federal infrastructure investment through the National Capital Authority, the federal public service employment base, and specific Territory grants that recognise the ACT's unique status as a host of national institutions.

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